[Elecraft] Cutting traces

[Don Brown]

Hi Don

If you want to use an Exacto knife to cut the trace I have found it better
to break off the sharp tip of the blade so you can use the heavier part of
the blade to make the cut. Use a pair of needle nose pliers to break off
about 1/2 of the tip. (wear safety glasses and/or wrap in a rag) Use a fair
amount of pressure to make 2 cuts about 1/16 inch apart then slice at a 45
degree angle to lift the 1/16 inch piece of trace out

I use a Dremal tool on a low speed with the thin abrasive cutoff tool to
make cuts on circuit boards. This takes a little practice to get the hang of
it or you may cut more than you want but I have found it the best method if
you are very careful.

Don Brown
KD5NDB


----- Original Message -----
From: <W5EI@cs.com>
To: <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Friday, November 08, 2002 8:42 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] Cutting traces


> I've been attempting to cut the K2 control board trace between Q-5 gate
and
> U6 pin 25.  Following the instructions on page 51 of the K2 manual, I used
an
> Exacto knife with a small blade, and pressed down with the tip to make two
> small cuts across the trace.  I thought I could press down hard enough to
be
> able to pry out a small segment.   It hasn't worked out that way, and I
don't
> want to scrape any more than I already have, or slip with the knife and
> thereby cut into another trace.  Would it be better to just go ahead and
> obtain a Dremel tool and cutter to take out the trace?  The remote control
> option had been put on the back burner because I've been having such a
good
> time operating the radio, but I need to finish this so I can build and use
> the KAT100.  Anybody else had a problem in this area?
>
> 73 to all,
>
> Don W5EI
> K2/100 #2478
> CW Fists NR 6108
>
>
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